Examining the structural relationships among e-learning interactivity, uncertainty avoidance, and perceived risks of COVID-19: Applying extended technology acceptance model

Although e-learning has been studied in different contexts, the intention to use e-learning during the Corona virus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has yet to be explored. This study extends the technology acceptance model (TAM) by treating e-learning interactivity as the antecedent construct of TAM. The constructs of uncertainty avoidance and perceived risks of COVID-19 were also added to understand the attitude and behavioral intentions of students to use e-learning. Two hundred and eighty-eight students from India participated in this study and partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The results revealed that e-learning offers a high level of interactivity, which influences perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness and enhances a positive attitude of the students. Perceived ease of use was directly found to influence the perceived usefulness of e-learning. Uncertainty avoidance had a positive effect on attitude and intention to use e-learning. Perceived risks of COVID-19 showed a positive and significant effect on attitude, whereas the former did not affect intention to use e-learning. Finally, attitude also influenced intention to use e-learning. Our findings provide academia with theoretical implications and practitioners with practical implications.

Automated summary

This study found that the interactivity of e-learning as well as factors like perceived risks of COVID-19 and uncertainty avoidance have a significant impact on students' attitudes and intention to use e-learning. The results also showed that perceived ease of use directly influences perceived usefulness of e-learning.